In Astana, domestic and international political
scientists, analysts and public observers discussed the results of the
electoral campaign at the Sailau 2026 expert platform of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies.
The focus was also on the further practical implementation of the provisions of
the new Constitution. Experts emphasize that the completion of the campaign marks
a new stage of reforms. Following the determination of the final composition of
the Kurultai, its leadership and committees will have to be formed.
Participants of the meeting are also analyzing how the new parliamentary model
could affect the quality of lawmaking and the distribution of responsibilities among
deputies. Competitiveness was identified as one of the key characteristics of
the campaign. In addition, according to the experts, voter turnout indicates a
high level of support from Kazakh society for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s
political course.
«Voter turnout exceeded 74%. Thus, nearly three-quarters of our voters
exercised their civic right and cast their ballots. We have witnessed growing
political competition during the recent electoral events. Overall, the expert
community shares the view that the electoral campaign was highly active and
competitive,» noted Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the
Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
American expert Ken Moriyasu stressed the importance of political
reforms, emphasizing that they should primarily help the state operate more
effectively and consistently. The senior fellow at the Hudson Institute also
noted that Kazakhstan’s ongoing transformations are being closely followed
abroad, including in the U.S.
«There’s tremendous interest in Kazakhstan in
Washington, D.C. and the United States, because I think there is a consensus in
America that Central Asia is becoming increasingly important in the great power
competition. So, the efforts in Kazakhstan to try to create a stable political
system is very interesting for America,» said Ken Moriyasu, senior fellow at Hudson Institute, the U.S.
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